U.S. Navy Demonstrates Formidable Naval Power through Dual Carrier Strike Groups Exercise in Eastern Mediterranean
Over the last three days, U.S. Navy’s carrier strike groups, USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, conducted rigorous joint exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean, displaying a strong message of deterrence and alliance integration in the region.
The waters of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea recently witnessed a formidable display of naval power and cooperative military exercise as two of the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier strike groups came together for joint exercises spanning three days.
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Carrier Strike Group (CSG 12) and theDwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group (CSG 2) coordinated in a series of drills focusing on high-value unit defense, ballistic missile defense, replenishments-at-sea, cross-deck flight operations, and maritime security operations. The objective was to bolster the U.S. Navy’s readiness and to enhance interoperability with allies.
These exercises saw the participation of the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) - the U.S. Sixth Fleet Command and Control ship, along with the Italian Navy frigates ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) and ITS Carlo Margottini (F 592), emphasizing the transatlantic alliance and NATO integration.
Rear Admiral Erik Eslich, Commander of CSG 12, highlighted the significance of such exercises stating, "Operating and training alongside each other demonstrates the U.S. Navy's ability to seamlessly accomplish multiple missions, deter aggression and support our allies and partners." The exercises involved more than 11,000 U.S personnel, embodying a large-scale commitment to regional stability.
Rear Admiral Marc Miguez, Commander of CSG 2, emphasized the critical role of seamless integration and teamwork in building a theater-wide common tactical picture, making the forces more ready and postured. He noted, "Our focus on teamwork and dual-carrier operations provide us the ability to train like we fight."
The Italian frigates Fasan and Margottini not only represented the NATO alliance integration but also reiterated the ongoing cooperation, with Fasan having participated in a Composite Unit Training Exercise with the Eisenhower strike group earlier this year.
Vice Admiral Thomas Ishee, commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, underscored the strategic message sent by such a strong naval presence, stating, “Operating dual carrier strike groups alongside Allies and Partners in a dynamic environment demonstrates our capability and capacity to respond with agility decisively to any contingency.”
The Gerald R. Ford strike group showcased its extensive operational engagement in the region through its participation in multiple operations and exercises including Sage Wolverine, Baltic Operations 2023, exercise Air Defender 2023, and NATO enhanced vigilance activity Neptune Strike, encompassing operations with 17 countries in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations.
The composition of both strike groups, including a range of aircraft carriers, guided-missile cruisers and destroyers, alongside the Carrier Air Wings and Destroyer Squadrons, exemplifies a formidable naval force capable of executing a wide spectrum of operations.
Based in Naples, Italy, the U.S. Sixth Fleet conducts a full spectrum of joint and naval operations often in concert with allied and interagency partners, aimed at advancing U.S. national interests and ensuring security and stability throughout Europe and Africa.
The recent joint exercises underscore the U.S. Navy’s operational readiness, the strength of transatlantic alliances, and the commitment to maintaining a stable and secure regional environment amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes.
